New York City Public Schools (NYCPS) is dedicated to fostering the professional growth of its paraprofessionals. Recognizing their invaluable contributions to the education system, NYCPS offers a range of comprehensive career training programs designed to support paraprofessionals in achieving their aspirations of becoming certified teachers. These initiatives, collectively known as career training programs nyc, provide financial assistance, dedicated leave options, and pathways to advanced education, all within the vibrant landscape of New York City.
This guide delves into the various career training programs nyc available to eligible paraprofessionals, outlining the opportunities and resources provided to help them advance their careers within the NYC public school system.
The Career Training Program (CTP): Your First Step Towards a Bachelor’s Degree
The cornerstone of career training programs nyc for paraprofessionals is the Career Training Program (CTP). This program is specifically designed to enable eligible UFT paraprofessionals to earn their first Bachelor’s degree by providing tuition assistance.
Eligibility for the CTP:
To be considered for this valuable Career Training Program Nyc, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Full-time Paraprofessional Status: Applicants must be employed as a full-time paraprofessional within a NYC public school and be on the payroll as such at the time of application and throughout the application school year.
- No Prior Bachelor’s Degree: This program is for paraprofessionals who have not yet attained a Bachelor’s degree.
- Matriculation Requirement: Candidates must demonstrate proof of mandatory matriculation into a degree-bearing program after completing 45 credits.
- GPA Requirement: A minimum GPA of 2.0 is required for eligibility and must be maintained throughout program participation. Dropping below this GPA will result in ineligibility.
- Credit Limit: The program covers up to 120 credits towards the first Bachelor’s degree. This includes any transfer credits or credits earned before program enrollment. The program will cover the remaining credits up to the 120-credit limit if the participant enters with existing credits.
Financial Support through CTP:
The CTP program provides significant financial aid to participants pursuing their Bachelor’s degree as part of their career training program nyc journey:
- Tuition Coverage: The program covers tuition costs for 3 to 6 credits per semester at participating colleges and universities.
- Release Time: Participants enrolled in five or more credit hours are entitled to 2.5 hours of release time per week to facilitate their studies.
- Summer Stipend (Optional): Eligible paraprofessionals can apply for a Summer Stipend to further support their academic pursuits.
- Financial Aid Coordination: The program works in conjunction with Federal Pell Grants and New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) grants. NYCPS will cover the remaining tuition balance after these grants are applied.
Important Financial Notes:
- NYCPS does not cover course materials or college fees such as activity, application, or technology fees. These are the responsibility of the paraprofessional.
- The program does not cover courses with failing grades (“F”), late withdrawals, or unofficial withdrawals. Paraprofessionals are financially responsible for these costs.
Application Process and Deadlines for CTP:
To take advantage of this career training program nyc, paraprofessionals must adhere to the application deadlines for each semester:
- Fall Semester: May 1st – June 30th
- Spring Semester: September 1st – October 31st
- Summer Semester: February 1st – March 31st
An application is required for each semester, and unused vouchers cannot be carried over. Applications must be submitted using the applicant’s NYCPS email address to ensure confirmation and voucher receipt.
For detailed application instructions, refer to the CTP Application Guide. For inquiries, contact [email protected] or (718) 935-2449.
Paraprofessional Student Teaching Leave of Absence (PSTLOA) Program: Practical Classroom Experience
Another crucial component of career training programs nyc is the Paraprofessional Student Teaching Leave of Absence (PSTLOA) Program. This program provides eligible paraprofessionals with a 40-day paid leave to fulfill student teaching requirements, a critical step towards teacher certification.
PSTLOA Program Eligibility:
To qualify for this career training program nyc leave option, paraprofessionals must meet these requirements:
- Full-time Employment and Tenure: Applicants must be full-time, active employees with at least one full school year of service as a paraprofessional (substitute paraprofessional service does not count).
- GPA Requirement: A minimum GPA of 2.5 in their program of study is necessary.
- Enrollment in NYSED-Approved Program: Paraprofessionals must be enrolled in a New York State Education Department (NYSED) approved program leading to New York State teaching certification. Online or out-of-state colleges must have NYSED-approved programs to be eligible.
- Category Alignment: Applicants must fall into one of these categories:
- Category A: Degree in education but lacking student teaching for certification.
- Category B: Master’s degree program for initial certification requiring student teaching.
- Category C: Undergraduate program for initial certification needing student teaching.
PSTLOA Program Details:
- Limited Leaves: The program offers a limited number of leaves per year (50 in fall, 50 in spring).
- Application Priority: Priority is given to paraprofessionals closer to certification completion, especially those who have already graduated from teacher education programs.
- One-Time Application: Paraprofessionals can apply to the PSTLOA program only once.
- Leave Extension: For student teaching beyond 40 days, an unpaid extended leave must be applied for separately.
- Certification Focus: Leave is granted only for student teaching leading to initial teacher certification, not for non-teaching positions.
PSTLOA Application Availability:
- Fall Application: July 1st – October 1st
- Spring Application: December 1st – March 1st (Application may be closed once cap is reached)
For more information, consult the Student Teaching Leave of Absence Program Overview or email [email protected] or call (718) 935-2449.
Paraprofessional to Teacher Pathway Graduate Reimbursement Program: Funding Your Master’s Degree
For paraprofessionals pursuing a graduate degree in education, the Paraprofessional to Teacher Pathway Graduate Reimbursement Program is a vital part of career training programs nyc. This program reimburses eligible paraprofessionals for up to 12 graduate credits towards teacher certification.
Graduate Reimbursement Program Eligibility:
To be eligible for this financial assistance within career training programs nyc, paraprofessionals must meet the following criteria:
- Matriculation in NYS-Approved Graduate Program: Admission and full matriculation in a NYS-approved and accredited graduate education program leading to teacher certification is required.
- Credit Completion: Completion of at least 12 credits towards the graduate program.
- Paraprofessional Experience: Minimum of one full year of paid experience as a paraprofessional in NYCPS.
- Program Focus: Graduate program must be in a classroom teaching discipline and lead to NYS certification.
- Coursework Grade: Reimbursable coursework must have a passing grade of “B” or better.
Graduate Reimbursement Program Details:
- Reimbursement Rate: Reimbursement is based on the current CUNY graduate tuition rate.
- Limited Disciplines: Programs for non-teaching roles like counselors, psychologists, social workers, etc., are not eligible.
- Initial Certification Focus: The program reimburses only for courses required for initial certification.
- Financial Aid Coordination: The program coordinates with other financial aid sources, covering the remaining tuition costs after other aid is applied.
Graduate Reimbursement Application Availability:
- Annually: February 1st – March 31st
APPLY HERE for Graduate Reimbursement
For complete details, refer to the Para to Teacher Pathway Graduate Reimbursement Program Information document. For inquiries, email [email protected] or call (718) 935-2449.
Paraprofessional Certification Testing Reimbursement Program: Covering Certification Costs
The Paraprofessional Certification Testing Reimbursement Program, another essential facet of career training programs nyc, offers a one-time reimbursement of up to $400 for state teacher certificate application and NYS certification exams.
Certification Testing Reimbursement Eligibility:
- NYS Certification Attainment: Applicants must have obtained NYS teacher certification on or after September 1st of the application year.
- Receipts Required: Applicants must provide receipts for NYS Examinations and the NYS Teacher Application.
- Reimbursement Timeframe: Reimbursement must be requested within one year of certification.
Certification Testing Reimbursement Application Availability:
- Annually: March 1st – April 30th
For more information, review the Certification Testing Reimbursement Program Overview and the Paraprofessional Certification Reimbursement Application. For inquiries, email [email protected] or call (718) 935-2449.
Lead Teacher Assistant (LTA) / Bilingual Lead Teacher Assistant (BLTA): Stepping into Leadership
The Lead Teacher Assistant (LTA) and Bilingual Lead Teacher Assistant (BLTA) positions represent a unique career training program nyc opportunity for paraprofessionals to take on enhanced roles within the classroom. These annual positions provide eligible full-time paraprofessionals with additional compensation (up to $5,000) and valuable experience supporting instruction under teacher supervision.
LTA/BLTA Eligibility:
- Bachelor’s Degree: Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree at the time of application.
- Teacher Assistant Certification: An active NYS Teacher Assistant Certificate (Level I, II, or III) is required.
- NYCPS Experience: One year of full-time, active paraprofessional service at NYCDOE.
- Satisfactory Record: A satisfactory record of attendance and punctuality.
- Bilingual Fluency (for BLTA): Bilingual LTA applicants must demonstrate fluency in the required language.
LTA/BLTA Program Details:
- Annual Position: The LTA/BLTA position is annual, with paraprofessionals reverting to their previous title and salary at the end of the school year.
- Enhanced Skills and Pathway to Teaching: This role allows paraprofessionals to develop their skills and explore a potential teaching career path within career training programs nyc.
LTA/BLTA Application Availability:
- Annually: January 1 – March 31
For further details, consult the LTA/BLTA Position Posting or contact [email protected] or 718-935-2449.
Conclusion: Investing in Your Future with Career Training Programs NYC
NYCPS is committed to empowering its paraprofessionals through these diverse career training programs nyc. From tuition assistance for Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees to student teaching leave and certification reimbursement, these programs offer comprehensive support for paraprofessionals seeking to advance their careers in education. By taking advantage of these resources, paraprofessionals can achieve their professional goals and make an even greater impact on the students of New York City. Explore these opportunities today and embark on your journey to becoming a certified teacher within the NYC Public Schools system.
